Dell recently announced the release of their Inspiron Mini 12 netbook. Unlike most manufacturers who have thus far limited their netbook sizes to 10" max, the Inspiron Mini 12 features a 12.1" WXGA display. Size isn't the only area where Dell deviated from the netbook norm. The Mini 12 will be the first netbook to use Windows Vista as the operating system.

With a starting weight of only 2.72 lbs.1 and only 0.92 in. thick1, current standard features on the Inspiron Mini 12 include:

The Inspiron Mini 12 is initially available only in Japanese retail stores. Expect the netbook to hit online e-tailers some time in November with a price tag under $600, with XP and Linux configurations available by the end of the year.